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Without Permission
At a time when following the law means survival, could breaking the law mean freedom?
Amidst the turmoil of Occupied Paris, 25-year-old teacher Jane Smith is tested as she discovers that sometimes doing the right thing requires breaking rules when her Aunt Mathilde draws her into the dangerous task of smuggling Jewish girls out of France. Adding another layer of danger, the school’s doctor seeks Jane’s help in providing abortions, thrusting her into a clandestine world.
Jane embarks on a mission to provide care for those marginalized by society, from migrant workers in California, to women in post-war Japan. When she enlists in the Navy, Jane falls in love with an admiral’s daughter, adding another secret and another rule broken.
In this first book of a trilogy that spans decades and continents, Jane’s journey paints a vivid portrait of essential care given without permission, without authority, and without apology. Without Permission is a poignant tale of love, the power and peril of secrets, and the emotional and spiritual essence of abortion care. Jane’s enduring quest for justice offers a window into the resilience and courage of women who live outside of the laws of men.
Amidst the turmoil of Occupied Paris, 25-year-old teacher Jane Smith is tested as she discovers that sometimes doing the right thing requires breaking rules when her Aunt Mathilde draws her into the dangerous task of smuggling Jewish girls out of France. Adding another layer of danger, the school’s doctor seeks Jane’s help in providing abortions, thrusting her into a clandestine world.
Jane embarks on a mission to provide care for those marginalized by society, from migrant workers in California, to women in post-war Japan. When she enlists in the Navy, Jane falls in love with an admiral’s daughter, adding another secret and another rule broken.
In this first book of a trilogy that spans decades and continents, Jane’s journey paints a vivid portrait of essential care given without permission, without authority, and without apology. Without Permission is a poignant tale of love, the power and peril of secrets, and the emotional and spiritual essence of abortion care. Jane’s enduring quest for justice offers a window into the resilience and courage of women who live outside of the laws of men.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2024
17 people are currently reading
2409 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Taft
5 books28 followersWith a Bachelor's Degree in Feminist Studies from Brown University, and a Master's Degree in Feminist Studies from Goddard College, what was I to do but help start and run an abortion clinic?
I was 22 years old when Roe v. Wade was decided. I soon found that the various aspects of abortion care were to be the work of my life. My trilogy, Without Permission, Without Authority, and Without Apology, follow the life of a 102-year-old woman who has provided abortion care outside the laws of men. As you journey with Jane Smith from Occupied Paris to the Navy in California, and then post-war Japan, you'll meet women who teach you the range of experiences that surround pregnancy and abortion, and the danger of assumptions and stereotypes. Jane learns the importance of tailoring care to emotional and spiritual needs. These are stories for our times--and for all time.
I was 22 years old when Roe v. Wade was decided. I soon found that the various aspects of abortion care were to be the work of my life. My trilogy, Without Permission, Without Authority, and Without Apology, follow the life of a 102-year-old woman who has provided abortion care outside the laws of men. As you journey with Jane Smith from Occupied Paris to the Navy in California, and then post-war Japan, you'll meet women who teach you the range of experiences that surround pregnancy and abortion, and the danger of assumptions and stereotypes. Jane learns the importance of tailoring care to emotional and spiritual needs. These are stories for our times--and for all time.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 15, 2024
Without Permission by Charlotte Taft was a book I won in a goodreads book giveaway. I thank goodreads for the opportunity to receive this book and was happy to read it. I'm always interested in reading books about strong female characters in the pre-WWII and WWII time periods. Without Permission covers the main character's experiences starting in 1938 and continues into post-WWII Japan.
Jane Smith is the main character in Without Permission. She starts out as an American teaching 7 year-old girls in a private school in Paris, serves in the Resistance before returning to the U.S. where she studies to become, and then serve as, a Nurse in the U.S. Navy. What I loved most about Jane Smith is her humble attitude towards helping and serving others. The kindness she shows to first her students and then her patients comes across as more than just caring - it comes across as really loving and wanting the best for those who need her help.
Jane Smith is the main character in Without Permission. She starts out as an American teaching 7 year-old girls in a private school in Paris, serves in the Resistance before returning to the U.S. where she studies to become, and then serve as, a Nurse in the U.S. Navy. What I loved most about Jane Smith is her humble attitude towards helping and serving others. The kindness she shows to first her students and then her patients comes across as more than just caring - it comes across as really loving and wanting the best for those who need her help.
May 25, 2024
Courageous telling by one of our selfless warriors for reproductive rights
I can’t say that I have ever read a novel largely about abortion care that so directly takes up the ethical, moral, religious, and spiritual dilemmas it poses. In the first of a trilogy, Charlotte Taft has crafted a fine novel that unflinchingly takes up abortion, sexual orientation, the patriarchy, and more. She develops a compelling cast of characters who walk us through the nuance amidst pre and post WWII. I couldn’t put it down from the old house in Paris with the little girls who walked in two straight lines.
I can’t say that I have ever read a novel largely about abortion care that so directly takes up the ethical, moral, religious, and spiritual dilemmas it poses. In the first of a trilogy, Charlotte Taft has crafted a fine novel that unflinchingly takes up abortion, sexual orientation, the patriarchy, and more. She develops a compelling cast of characters who walk us through the nuance amidst pre and post WWII. I couldn’t put it down from the old house in Paris with the little girls who walked in two straight lines.
April 19, 2024
Beginning prior to the Nazi occupation of Paris and continuing to the rebuilding of Japan, this book takes you on a journey of personal discovery.
In her early twenties, Jane Smith, joins her Aunt in Paris to teach at the Aunt's private school. Stumbling into the smuggling of Jewish girls out of Paris and helping a doctor perform abortions on women and girls that were desperate, Jane finds her calling in helping women.
We follow Jane as she makes a harrowing escape from Paris, then decides on a career that takes her to California for training and then to Japan. With the backdrop of WWII in Europe and in Japan, this is a very worthwhile read.
Well written and very well researched, I enjoyed this whole book. This is the first book of a trilogy. I can't wait to read the rest of Jane's story.
In her early twenties, Jane Smith, joins her Aunt in Paris to teach at the Aunt's private school. Stumbling into the smuggling of Jewish girls out of Paris and helping a doctor perform abortions on women and girls that were desperate, Jane finds her calling in helping women.
We follow Jane as she makes a harrowing escape from Paris, then decides on a career that takes her to California for training and then to Japan. With the backdrop of WWII in Europe and in Japan, this is a very worthwhile read.
Well written and very well researched, I enjoyed this whole book. This is the first book of a trilogy. I can't wait to read the rest of Jane's story.
May 13, 2024
From the moment Jane Smith arrives in pre-war Paris, she scoops into this well-written, heartfelt, and beautiful book. Through the fast-paced chronicle of war-time France, California, and post-war Japan, the teacher-turned-nurse leads us directly into the stories and ethics that reproductive care and rights entail. Throughout, the story is told with compassion, depth, and spiritual integrity. I can't wait for the next two books of the trilogy. This is conversation couldn't be more important now and going forward, not just for women but for all of us. Thank you, Charlotte Taft, for bringing this to us.
April 23, 2024
Response to Abortion
I have truly enjoyed reading "Without Permission" because of the truthfulness and responsibility provided by being so open about the need for abortions and the stigma it still receives. I have never read anything as moving as this book describes about the need for abortions NOT being a political pawn. It certainly is eye-opening. Charlotte, you have written an extremely needed novel for all women.
I have truly enjoyed reading "Without Permission" because of the truthfulness and responsibility provided by being so open about the need for abortions and the stigma it still receives. I have never read anything as moving as this book describes about the need for abortions NOT being a political pawn. It certainly is eye-opening. Charlotte, you have written an extremely needed novel for all women.
May 3, 2024
Touching timely inspiring and at moments heartbreaking
WWII Paris to Kyoto Japan and Connecticut - a 3-dimensional story of women and men saving lives - including their own. Filled with honest portrayals of a difficult period when being yourself had huge costs. Read it in one night. So worth it
WWII Paris to Kyoto Japan and Connecticut - a 3-dimensional story of women and men saving lives - including their own. Filled with honest portrayals of a difficult period when being yourself had huge costs. Read it in one night. So worth it
September 8, 2024
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
It wasn't until I got half way through this book that I became aware that this is story about abortion put in book form. Had I been aware of the focus of this book, I never would have selected it.
While I liked the first part of the story, it quickly became a political rant.
It wasn't until I got half way through this book that I became aware that this is story about abortion put in book form. Had I been aware of the focus of this book, I never would have selected it.
While I liked the first part of the story, it quickly became a political rant.
July 23, 2024
I loved this book. There are always so many interesting stories about how some coped while trying to survive through World War II. There were so many brave men and women who were willing to do so much to try to help others while putting themselves in so much danger.
December 1, 2024
All books are inherently political. Some more so than others, but in this landscape, these stories of womens oppressive history is as important than ever.
Jane lives many lives, she is complex, she is courageous, she is many of us.
Jane lives many lives, she is complex, she is courageous, she is many of us.
June 4, 2024
An honest and important book for anyone who must choose how to respond to oppression and its effects.
July 8, 2024
Beautifully written story about how even under oppression, we can rise above it. A terrible time in the history of the world told with grace and compassion.
August 20, 2024
I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway. I thought this book was a great read. It took me on an unexpected journey through the years.
September 4, 2024
Thank you, Goodreads, for the book. Other than the ending being abrupt, the writing, characters and story were all strong and drew me in.
January 5, 2025
While the first half of the book felt like it had half enough plot to be its own book, the overall story was fantastic!
September 4, 2025
5 🌟 historical fiction novel!!
Without Permission (the first novel in a trilogy) follows Jane Smith on her journey of providing medical care for women across the globe, from German-occupied France during WWII, to the disciplined migrant workers in California, to women in post-war Japan. Every woman’s story is different, but every woman Jane helps achieve an abortion has the bodily autonomy she deserves, the right to choose. Along the way, Jane stumbles, learns, grows, and falls in love.
I loved this novel and being swept along on Jane’s journey through life in her 20’s. There are many novels out there set during the terrible Holocaust, but this one was unique for me in the fact that it focused on women’s medical care during this time period. With everything happening in the real world currently to strip women of their rights, it is so important to have novels like this one bringing discourse and attention to the importance of healthcare access for all. This novel was relatively short, so made for a quick read. I am immensely looking forward to reading the next two novels in this trilogy!
Without Permission (the first novel in a trilogy) follows Jane Smith on her journey of providing medical care for women across the globe, from German-occupied France during WWII, to the disciplined migrant workers in California, to women in post-war Japan. Every woman’s story is different, but every woman Jane helps achieve an abortion has the bodily autonomy she deserves, the right to choose. Along the way, Jane stumbles, learns, grows, and falls in love.
I loved this novel and being swept along on Jane’s journey through life in her 20’s. There are many novels out there set during the terrible Holocaust, but this one was unique for me in the fact that it focused on women’s medical care during this time period. With everything happening in the real world currently to strip women of their rights, it is so important to have novels like this one bringing discourse and attention to the importance of healthcare access for all. This novel was relatively short, so made for a quick read. I am immensely looking forward to reading the next two novels in this trilogy!
May 25, 2024
Page Turner!
Well, having known Charlotte in the mid seventies, I thought I must read her book. So I dragged myself to it expecting to skim and report back simply that I had finished it. Help me now! I couldn’t put her book down. So much for friendship obligation. This book took me to another time and place - Paris no less. On a topic so intimate and daring…. I’m trying not to give the story away… that you will be traveling along a road where a woman’s footprints lead you to a better understanding of what is is to be a woman.
Well, having known Charlotte in the mid seventies, I thought I must read her book. So I dragged myself to it expecting to skim and report back simply that I had finished it. Help me now! I couldn’t put her book down. So much for friendship obligation. This book took me to another time and place - Paris no less. On a topic so intimate and daring…. I’m trying not to give the story away… that you will be traveling along a road where a woman’s footprints lead you to a better understanding of what is is to be a woman.
May 9, 2025
Spoilers below!
Won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
I appreciate so much about this novel. The feminist current throughout is strong and on point; several times I stopped and marveled at how poignant parts of it are. The focus on abortion care is a welcome change for a historical novel set in Europe during WWII. I particularly like the fact that the story doesn't just stay in Paris but follows the protagonist through her time in America and Japan and illustrates what abortion and medical care in the post-war era might have looked like. The queer romance reads well but is quite heartbreaking; it shows just how difficult it has always been to be queer in our heteronormative society.
I'm glad Lucie lives at the end, but I'm not totally sure that her having an abortion rang true for me. I wonder if more build-up to/focus on her secrecy and/or lack of engagement with Jane would have made it more believable. It might also be that I was so concentrated on Jane falling apart that I didn't expect it; while this seems to be in keeping with it coming out of the blue for Jane as well, it somehow felt plot-y and didn't live up to the excellent writing we got earlier in the story. Others might disagree. Additionally, it's likely that the rushed ending threw me off. I'm thrilled to know two more stories will be following, but that didn't totally absolve the jarring ending for me either.
Regardless of the minor drawbacks at the end, I definitely recommend this story. I would love to see queer joy in the subsequent books and feel the energy we all need, especially now, to fight back against the patriarchy and the far right. We need books that don't shy away from the horrors of the past but that simultaneously give us the momentum we need to face the future, and I'm sure Charlotte can give us that as this story continues. Brava on crafting such a meaningful, fleshed out story set in a richly textured, dangerous, but (hopefully!) ultimately worthwhile world!
Won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
I appreciate so much about this novel. The feminist current throughout is strong and on point; several times I stopped and marveled at how poignant parts of it are. The focus on abortion care is a welcome change for a historical novel set in Europe during WWII. I particularly like the fact that the story doesn't just stay in Paris but follows the protagonist through her time in America and Japan and illustrates what abortion and medical care in the post-war era might have looked like. The queer romance reads well but is quite heartbreaking; it shows just how difficult it has always been to be queer in our heteronormative society.
I'm glad Lucie lives at the end, but I'm not totally sure that her having an abortion rang true for me. I wonder if more build-up to/focus on her secrecy and/or lack of engagement with Jane would have made it more believable. It might also be that I was so concentrated on Jane falling apart that I didn't expect it; while this seems to be in keeping with it coming out of the blue for Jane as well, it somehow felt plot-y and didn't live up to the excellent writing we got earlier in the story. Others might disagree. Additionally, it's likely that the rushed ending threw me off. I'm thrilled to know two more stories will be following, but that didn't totally absolve the jarring ending for me either.
Regardless of the minor drawbacks at the end, I definitely recommend this story. I would love to see queer joy in the subsequent books and feel the energy we all need, especially now, to fight back against the patriarchy and the far right. We need books that don't shy away from the horrors of the past but that simultaneously give us the momentum we need to face the future, and I'm sure Charlotte can give us that as this story continues. Brava on crafting such a meaningful, fleshed out story set in a richly textured, dangerous, but (hopefully!) ultimately worthwhile world!
January 25, 2025
Excellent! Jane is an incredible woman who puts her life at risk to save others. She faces many obstacles that are heartbreaking, including accepting herself for who she is. Another great win from Goodreads!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews